Christmas Newletter

I realize that many would frown on this, the Christmas-type letter via blog. But at this point, I really just don’t have the energy needed to create, print, address, and send out 100+ Christmas cards. And as much as I’d love to jump into the Christmas spirit with both feet, unfortunately, that’s just not going to happen this year. So without further ado, our cyber Christmas letter.

Dearest Family and Friends,

2012 has been a rough year... a very rough year! And while I'd love to have a redo, or reverse some of the things that have happened, I can attest to the fact that our faith has been strengthened. And to that end, I can say, ok, it was not for naught.

Devyn Paige – She has had a rough year. Between three of her close girlfriends moving to other states and the loss of GG, she’s been extra sensitive to changes. And with that, we’re trying to be sensitive to her. She was initially struggling with reading in the beginning of 2012, but sometime during the spring, reading finally clicked and we haven’t been able to keep her in books since. She is very much like her mama, always with a nose in a book. I love it! She also joined the school choir this year, and has been going to early morning choir practice every Tuesday with her school friends. She marched in our town’s Christmas parade and has numerous concerts coming up. She continues to be one of the most compassionate and loving girls I know, I’m constantly amazed at her insightfulness. She is such a blessing!

Hudson Jonathan – Oh, the little mister is not so little anymore. He is becoming more aware, by the day, that he is the only boy among a house full of girls. Some days he relishes in the role, other days, he just.wants.a.break. Thankfully a new friend moved to town and he often escapes to his friend, Holden’s house, where boys rule. He played modified tball this summer and absolutely loved it! He rarely needed to use the tee, and especially enjoyed tagging people out at base. He was a tad too enthusiastic about it actually. He also started kindergarten this year and at first, wasn’t too please with it. It was a lot different than preschool and required more work. But I can finally say that he’s now loving it! Our little man is quite bossy and authoritative, a trait that will serve him well some day. But right now, we get the fun job of trying to reign him in. He is a breath of fresh air, such a fun addition to our family.

Reagan Jacqueline – We recently had Rea’s well-child check-up and the doctor told us, “She is definitely a free-spirit!” I laughed. It was the understatement of the year. Reagan is a pistol, no doubt about it. She is our resident nudist, we are absolutely unable to keep on clothes on her. Jon and I often shake our heads in both bewilderment and laughter. When she is not running around naked, you can find her either coloring or building with her blocks. She and Hudson have a love-hate relationship, either the best of friends or worst enemies. She and Ashlynn have grown closer, often disappearing into Reagan’s bedroom for playtime.

Ashlynn Rose – Our baby turned two years old on Saturday and its hard to believe that babyhood has come to an end in our family. But as Ashlynn grows more independent, we’re looking forward to all of the new adventures in store for us. She is still in diapers, but there’s a definite interest in potty training. She refuses to be left behind by her siblings, often believing she’s bigger than she is. I can’t tell you how many times Jon and I have to turn away in the midst of disciplining so she can’t see our smiles and laughter. The girl has the sass of Reagan, with a touch of attitude and extroverted tendencies. She and Reagan are going to be a handfull, of that I’m certain. But as the baby, there couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for this family.

Jon – 2012 has been a long and stressful year for my husband. Between two separate wildfires on his highway and participating in security detail for the president’s visit in October, I’m not surprised he’s ready to shut the book on this year. He has been up to his eyeballs in paperwork for FEMA involving the High Park fire, cleaning up mudslide after mudslide, and worrying about his guys. He was recognized statewide for his team’s work in the fire. To say I’m a proud wife is an understatement. It takes great leadership to have an effective team, and this proves how much work and effort Jon puts into his job. Jon was able to get away a couple of times this year for “boys only” fishing trips, one with his brothers and another with his cousin. I’d say he earned that time away.

Its has been a year of lessons for this wife and mama. In January, for some inexplicable reason, Munchkin Land Designs took off. I was scheduling blog designs about 6-8 weeks out and I found myself floundering under the new workload. It took numerous months of sleeping little, having next to zero patience with Jon and the Littles, and feeling so very overwhelmed before I made some necessary changes to my schedule. It was the best decision I could have made. I was also able to go to a blogging conference in Nashville in February and absolutely loved it! I was able to meet some dear clients, meet some new friends, and hang out with like-minded women who “get” this crazy blogging thing. It was such a blessing. I’m continually thankful for this opportunity to be home with my Littles. It was something I’ve prayed for for over six years, and I don’t take this time for granted at all. It has even allowed me (and with the swapping of sitting services with a friend) to volunteer in Hudson’s and Devyn’s classes at school. So much fun!In May, Jon and I celebrated 10 years of marriage by escaping to Steamboat Springs for a weekend away. It was the perfect celebration, and probably THE highlight of 2012. We’ve had numerous valleys during these ten years, but oh, the mountain tops. It has been an amazing journey, and one I’m so glad to share with my best friend.

In August we said goodbye to Grandma Nancy after a (too) short battle with cancer. I miss her dearly, almost painfully so. This is our first Christmas without her and its proving to be a much harder battle than I anticipated. Her absence is acutely felt during this time of year. But we move forward, if not for our sake, then the sake of the Littles.

In November, my dad was officially diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. A blow in the midst of grieving Grandma. But after meeting with numerous specialists, there seems to be a plan in place and Dad will be having surgery next month. I’m confident he will beat this, and pray for continued grace and strength in the weeks ahead.

Its true, I’ve never wanted to say goodbye to a year as much as I do 2012. But we are so very blessed. Friendships have been rekindled, prayers have been answered, our faith has been strengthened, God has been near, and mercies are new every morning. Yes, 2012 has been tough, and we’re a little battle weary, but I pray that this time hasn’t been for naught. He is good. All the time!

I’m a coffee drinking, book reading, laundry procrastinating, husband and children loving, mess of a woman who believes that chips and salsa can fix anything. We have chickens running around the backyard, a mountain of dishes in the sink, and on any given morning, I have at least 10 school forms that need my signature or initials. It’s a crazy life {I prefer to call it controlled chaos}, but its ours.

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comments

Hello. It has truly been a tough year for you all. Your family has been in my prayers as it seems trial after trial comes your way.And it's such a pretty virtual newsletter. I love the red Merry Christmas with the green household. So pretty!

I completely understand and support your decision to do a cyber newsletter instead of Christmas cards this year! Some years are crazier than others and to do something different in response to that is absolutely okay. It sounds like your family is doing well despite the hard year you've had. I'm praying that 2013 will be an amazing year for all of you!

You really do just like making me tear up with your posts don't you. Haha. This was very sweet, and I'm very OK with the "e-newsletter"! I hope 2013 brings you, Jon, and your Littles lots of smiles and laughter!

Even this newsletter made me cry. "I miss her dearly, almost painfully so." Couldn't have said it better myself. Beautiful letter and I'm loving watching my nieces and nephew grow and express and show who God created them to be.

About

Jenn in Munchkin Land

I’m a coffee drinking, book reading, laundry procrastinating, husband and children loving, mess of a woman who believes that chips and salsa can fix anything. We have chickens running around the backyard, a mountain of dishes in the sink, and on any given morning, I have at least 10 school forms that need my signature or initials. It’s a crazy life {I prefer to call it controlled chaos}, but its ours.